Temple University, Japan Campus holds graduation ceremony

June 17, 2008

June 17, 2008 -- Temple University, Japan Campus (Minato-ku, Tokyo, Dean Bruce Stronach) held its 2008 graduation ceremony on June 15 at the Hotel New Otani, Tokyo. This year a total of 171 students graduated from the undergraduate Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts programs, and graduate Master and Doctorate programs. The ceremony was held as a part of the 121st commencement ceremony at Temple University's main campus (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA), and was attended by nine delegates from the main campus headed by Provost Lisa Staiano-Coico, together with Mr. Ronald J. Post, Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy.

Dr. Robert Reinstein, Vice President and Dean of Beasley Law School at Temple University main campus, gave the keynote speech at the graduation ceremony. Dr. Reinstein is responsible for Temple University's international education program, was heavily involved in establishing the Temple University, Japan Campus in 1982, and has been involved with the Japan Campus ever since. He spoke about how in the succeeding years Temple University encountered various financial and administrative challenges, and has overcome them with a strong belief in international education and the support of Temple University's main campus. By way of contrast, over 40 foreign universities that set up in Japan in the 1980s and 1990s have closed.

Dr. Robert Reinstein, Temple University Vice President and Dean of Beasley Law School (left) and a graduate receiving a diploma (right)

Speaking to the students and their families, the Dean said "In 2005, Temple University, Japan Campus was designated the first 'Foreign University, Japan Campus' by the Ministry of Education, recognition that was just a dream when the campus was established 26 years ago. It proves that the Ministry recognizes the quality of education Temple offers - the fostering of creative thinking, and the analyzing and solving of problems. You, the Temple graduates, are creative, speak two or more languages, and understand and adjust yourself to different cultures. While there is increasing demand for the reform of higher education in Japan, I believe that TUJ graduates have already received the new model of higher education and will be global leaders in the future."

The highlight of the occasion, the awarding of degrees, took place after the speeches. Dressed in gown and cap, each student came onto the stage to receive their diploma. This year, from the undergraduate programs nine students graduated with Associate of Arts degrees, 84 with Bachelor of Arts degrees, and two with Bachelor of Sciences degrees. From the Graduate programs, 19 students graduated with Masters degrees in Law, 32 graduated with Masters of Science in Education degrees, and five with Doctor of Education degrees.

In closing the two-hour ceremony, Dean Stronach who assumed the position of Dean in April, personally delivered his congratulations in both English and Japanese to the graduating students and their families.

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